Mandela hails Obama as "new voice of hope"

[babylonsister]

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/01/mandela_hails_obama_as_new_voice_of_hope.php

Mandela hails Obama as "new voice of hope"

REUTERS
Reuters North American News Service

Jan 20, 2009 13:28 EST


JOHANNESBURG, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela hailed Barack Obama as a "new voice of hope" for the world on Tuesday and compared his inauguration as U.S. president to South Africa's historic transition to democracy.

In a letter handed to Obama before Tuesday's ceremony, the former South African leader congratulated the new president on what he called a "truly historic" moment for the United States and the world.

"We are in some ways reminded today of the excitement and enthusiasm in our own country at the time of our transition to democracy," Mandela wrote in the letter, issued on Tuesday.

"People, not only in our country but around the world, were inspired to believe that through common human effort injustice can be overcome and that together a better life for all can be achieved."

Mandela, who led South Africans in the fight against white rule and has become a global icon for freedom, said Obama's election to office had "inspired people as few other events in recent times have done".

"You, Mister President, have brought a new voice of hope that these problems can be addressed and that we can in fact change the world and make of it a better place."

more...

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/01/mandela_hails_obama_as_new_voice_of_hope.php

[napoleon_in_rags]

1. Its so fun to see the excitement of all the Africans.

It just shows the symbolic power of Obama's inauguration...He's not even their president, but his achievements inspire them and show them what's possible nevertheless. I'll bet this will be a good time for Africa, for reasons totally separate from any US policy change toward them.

[babylonsister]

2. Not just 'Africans', the whole world. Black Iraqis are jazzed, too,

as are Indonesians, Germans, Columbians, Brazilians, the list goes on!

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/01/obama_inauguration_scenes_from_around_the_world_1.php

[napoleon_in_rags]

4. Makes me wonder what 'South Americans' think.

You've got all that political diversity from Venezuela to Brazil to Columbia, but their politics have ALWAYS been tied with ours. I hope we get to hear a lot of global feedback on this in general in the coming days, the domestic joy we see must only be part of the bigger picture!

[babylonsister]

6. I think the world is smiling today. We now have a president

who will welcome talking things over vs. his way or the highway. I'm looking forward to it.

[napoleon_in_rags]

7. Absolutely. I was just checking out the Latin American news all over the world...

...and its a the excitement is everywhere. The Spanish translation of his speech is the top story right now on the Google news (which ranks stories by popularity) for numerous Latin American countries. I'm so glad he made those references about examining our resource consumption relative to the rest of the world and so forth, that was really bold. (My friend just told me that topic was BANNED at a major global environmental conference under Bush) Because the world is truly listening to his words, that much is clear. My only wish now is that I spoke more languages, I would like to hear what more people are saying. This is a truly beautiful day.

:)

[bliss_eternal]

3. Bookmarked...

...so I can give this the kick it deserves later. :hi:

[snowbear]

5. Awesome~~~

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